26237, Tallmansville, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26237, Tallmansville, West Virginia is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26237 has some form of health insurance. 60.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.67 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 26237 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 95 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26237. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 92 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,163 health care providers accessible to residents in 26237, Tallmansville, West Virginia.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Tallmansville, WV (ZIP Code 26237)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly regarding breast cancer care, within a defined geographic area like Tallmansville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26237), necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing a 'Breast Cancer Score' evaluation. This score aims to gauge the community's preparedness to address breast cancer concerns.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients, responsible for preventative screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists. In Tallmansville, evaluating the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 26237 ZIP code is crucial. This involves identifying the number of family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice physicians. Data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and national databases like the American Medical Association (AMA) can be used to pinpoint these practitioners.

Following identification, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical metric. This ratio, calculated by dividing the population of Tallmansville (obtained from the US Census Bureau) by the number of practicing PCPs, provides insight into the potential workload and accessibility of primary care. A higher ratio suggests a potentially overburdened healthcare system, which could lead to longer wait times for appointments and less time for thorough patient consultations. Conversely, a lower ratio indicates greater accessibility.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the area requires a deeper dive. This involves examining patient reviews, surveying local community feedback, and potentially contacting local healthcare providers to assess their focus on preventative care, screening protocols, and patient education regarding breast cancer. Key indicators include the availability of mammography services, the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening, and the presence of dedicated patient navigators to guide individuals through the diagnostic and treatment processes.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly enhance access to care, particularly in rural areas like Tallmansville. Evaluating the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or consultations with specialists, is critical. This could include the availability of virtual appointments for discussing screening results, providing patient education, and offering mental health support. The availability of telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, within the community is essential. This includes identifying local therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who specialize in oncology or provide mental health support. The availability of these resources, and their integration into the overall care plan, significantly impacts a patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Combining these factors, a 'Breast Cancer Score' can be developed. This score would be a composite metric, considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score would range from poor to excellent, reflecting the overall preparedness of the community to address breast cancer concerns. The score could be weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of screening services might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups.

For Tallmansville, the analysis would likely reveal challenges common to rural areas. The physician-to-patient ratio might be higher than the national average, indicating potential access limitations. The adoption of telemedicine might be limited, due to technological infrastructure or physician reluctance. The availability of specialized breast cancer services and mental health resources might be limited, necessitating patients to travel outside the community for care.

However, the analysis might also highlight strengths. Perhaps a local practice has implemented a robust breast cancer screening program, or a local hospital offers a patient navigator program. These strengths would contribute to a higher score, reflecting the community's commitment to providing quality care.

Overall, the 'Breast Cancer Score' for Tallmansville (ZIP code 26237) would be a snapshot of the current healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. It would serve as a valuable tool for community stakeholders, healthcare providers, and policymakers, guiding efforts to improve breast cancer care. It could inform initiatives to recruit more PCPs, expand telemedicine services, and increase the availability of mental health resources.

By understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within Tallmansville, targeted interventions can be implemented to improve the overall health and well-being of the community. This data-driven approach is essential for ensuring that residents have access to the care they need, when they need it.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, we recommend exploring the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can bring this data to life, allowing you to visualize the healthcare landscape of Tallmansville and surrounding areas. **Contact CartoChrome maps today to see how spatial analysis can help you understand and improve breast cancer care in your community.**